Our List of Alternative Gig Jobs in Canada for Your 2025 Working Holiday Visa

We understand that your time in Canada should be more than just making ends meet; it’s about creating unforgettable memories while you earn.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of unique jobs you might not yet have considered. These gigs are not only exciting but also offer the flexibility you need to truly explore.

Ready for something out of the ordinary? Here’s our list of unconventional gig jobs in Canada for you.

Make sure you watch our detailed guide on how to work in Canada through the Working Holiday Visa:

Education and Training Sector

Freelance Language Teacher

The world of language teaching, either online or in person, is ideal for those fluent or native in a language. A TEFL certificate or similar qualification enhances your opportunities. This role offers the flexibility to set your own schedule, accommodating your exploration plans.

Average Earnings: As a freelance you’re free to set your own rates but know that in Canada, as a language teacher, you can expect to earn between CAD $20 to $40 per hour.

Note that your IEC work permit may restrict you from working with children. See the note below under babysitting for more information.

Private Tutor

Share your knowledge in various subjects, from sciences to arts, as a private tutor. This role suits individuals with academic expertise or specialized skills. Finding clients can be achieved through online platforms, local community networks, and connections with educational institutions.

Average Earnings: Private tutors can earn approximately CAD $15 to $30 per hour, depending on the subject and level of expertise.

Fitness Instructor

As a certified fitness instructor working in gyms, community centers, or online, you’ll keep yourself and others physically active and healthy. Certification from accredited programs is essential. The role offers the dual benefits of a healthy lifestyle and social engagement.

Average Earnings: Fitness instructors can expect to earn around CAD $25 to $45 per hour.

Personal Trainer

You can take your fitness instructor job to the next level and build a client base as a personal trainer, leveraging social media and local gym partnerships. This career has significant growth potential, from specializing in certain fitness areas to eventually starting your own training business.

Average Earnings: Personal trainers typically earn between CAD $22 to $38 per hour, with potential for higher earnings as you build expertise and reputation.

Personal and Care Services Sector

Elder Companion Care

Elder companion care involves providing companionship and non-medical assistance to the elderly, such as helping with errands, light housekeeping, and engaging in social activities. This role is perfect for empathetic individuals who enjoy caring for others and have good communication skills.

Average Earnings: Elder companion caregivers in Canada typically earn around CAD $15 to $20 per hour, depending on the level of care and hours worked.

Personal Shopper

A personal shopper assists clients with their shopping needs, from groceries to wardrobe updates. This role requires a keen eye for quality, an understanding of personal style, and strong decision-making skills. It’s ideal for those who have a passion for shopping and fashion.

Average Earnings: Personal shoppers in Canada can expect to earn approximately CAD $17 to $27 per hour, varying based on client base and experience level.

Home Helper or Babysitting

Babysitting and home helping are perfect for those who enjoy working in a family environment. Opportunities are often found through local ads or babysitting platforms. Key skills include reliability, basic child care knowledge, and sometimes first aid certification.

Average Earnings: Babysitters and home helpers in Canada typically earn around CAD $15 to $25 per hour, depending on location and specific duties.

• Note that your IEC work permit may restrict you from working with children unless you receive a medical exam. If you expect to work with children during your working holiday, you may wish to have a medical exam in advance of your arrival. Present it to the immigration officer when you land in Canada, along with your Port of Entry letter.

House Sitter

As a house sitter, you’re entrusted with the care of a home while the owners are away. Responsibilities include basic upkeep, pet care, and security. Building trust is crucial, often achieved through references or house-sitting networks.

Average Earnings: House sitters in Canada can earn approximately CAD $130 to $300 per day, varying based on location and responsibilities.

Creative and Artistic Sector

Theatre Technician

Work behind the scenes in theaters handling lighting, sound, or stage design. This role is ideal for those with technical skills in theatre arts and a passion for contributing to the magic of live performances. It involves collaborating with directors and performers to create the visual and auditory experience of the show.

Average Earnings: Theatre technicians typically earn around CAD $21 to $35 per hour, based on their role and experience in the industry.

Voice Actor

Got unique vocal qualities and acting skills? This role involves recording for commercials, animations, or audiobooks and requires good enunciation, voice control, and the ability to convey emotions through voice. Necessary equipment includes a quality microphone, soundproofing, and recording software.

Average Earnings: Voice actors in Canada can earn between CAD $24 to $48 per hour, depending on the project and experience level.

Event Photographer

Capture the essence of events like weddings, corporate functions, or community gatherings. This job requires the ability to work in various lighting conditions and capture candid moments effectively. Strong photography skills, a good quality camera, and editing software are essential.

Average Earnings: The range of rates that event photographers in Canada can charge varies widely and depends on several factors, such as the nature of the event and its duration. On average, they can expect to earn between CAD $100 to $300 per hour.

Tourism and Hospitality Sector

Independent Tour Guide

Become an independent tour guide by leveraging your local knowledge and passion for storytelling. This role requires appropriate licensing, which varies by location. It involves creating and leading unique tours, showcasing the best of Canada’s attractions and hidden gems.

Average Earnings: Tour guides in Canada typically earn around CAD $15 to $24 per hour, depending on the tour’s complexity and duration.

Ski/Snowboard Instructor

Embrace the seasonal opportunities at Canada’s ski resorts by becoming a ski or snowboard instructor. This role requires certification from recognized institutions and a strong skill set in skiing or snowboarding. It’s ideal for those who love winter sports and teaching others.

Average Earnings: Ski and snowboard instructors in Canada can expect to earn approximately CAD $15 to $45 per hour, with variations based on experience and the resort’s location.

Event or Festival Animator

Engage with Canada’s vibrant cultural scene as an event or festival animator. This role involves performing, conducting workshops, or facilitating activities at various cultural events and festivals. Skills in arts, crafts, or performance are beneficial, and opportunities can be found through event organizers and cultural centers.

Average Earnings: Event or festival animators can earn around CAD $15 to $25 per hour, depending on the event’s nature and their role.

Delivery and Logistics Services Sector

Independent Delivery Driver

Capitalize on the surge of app-based delivery services by becoming an independent delivery person. This role involves delivering food, groceries, or parcels, and offers the flexibility to choose your working hours and delivery areas. It’s a great fit for those who prefer a flexible schedule and enjoy being on the move.

Average Earnings: Independent delivery persons in Canada typically earn between CAD $17 to $28 per hour, depending on the number of deliveries and the operating area.

Medical Courier

Specialize in the delivery of medical supplies, laboratory specimens, or essential documents between hospitals and clinics as a medical courier. This role is vital and requires a strong sense of responsibility, attention to detail, and an understanding of the urgency in medical logistics. Familiarity with handling sensitive and sometimes biohazardous materials is also important.

Average Earnings: Medical couriers in Canada typically earn between CAD $20 to $50 per hour, depending on the complexity and urgency of the deliveries.

Truck Driver

The logistics sector requires proper licensing and a thorough understanding of transportation regulations. This role involves long-haul or short-haul journeys, transporting a wide range of goods across Canada. It’s suitable for those who enjoy life on the road and are comfortable with extended periods away from home.

Average Earnings: Truck drivers in Canada can expect to earn approximately CAD $20 to $31 per hour, influenced by factors such as cargo type, travel distances, and experience.

Check out our job board for available listings.